Georgia’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Receives National Recognition

Georgia’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Receives National Recgnition
Georgia’s work to eliminate lead poisoning is earning accolades from states around the country. The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) recently recognized Georgia’s ability to ensure continuity of service to lead-poisoned children in light of significant federal budget cuts.The Georgia Department of Public Health’s (DPH), Environmental Health, Healthy Homes Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (GHHLPP)

is responsible for making housing safe for families at risk for health problems from lead. GHHLPP partners with all 18 public health Districts in Georgia to eliminate childhood lead poisoning and other hazards found in the home.
The GHHLPP team has made 120 houses lead safe in Savannah using funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Savannah is the highest risk public health area in the state because it has the oldest homes. The lead risk inspections and risk activities are focused on homes where children are exposed and face the greatest danger of lead poisoning.

“Childhood lead poisoning is a significant public health issue affecting the health and well-being of Georgia’s most vulnerable population – children,” said R. Chris Rustin, DrPH, MS, REHS, director, DPH Environmental Health Section. “A strong statewide lead and healthy homes program is a priority of Environmental Health in preventing at risk children from becoming lead poisoned and ensuring children who are exposed receive necessary case management, home inspections, and education to eliminate the source of lead and prevent future exposures.”